Samsung Advances AI in Smart Appliances and Autonomous Shipping

Samsung Electronics is intensifying its use of artificial intelligence (AI) to bolster both its consumer appliance lines and its shipbuilding operations, demonstrating the critical role of AI across diverse sectors of its business.

AI-Driven Smart Home Appliances

In 2024, Samsung reinforced its leadership in the household appliance sector, holding a 21% market share in the United States. To address evolving consumer expectations—such as the need for increased connectivity, personalization, and energy efficiency—the company integrated advanced AI features into its Bespoke product line. These smart appliances leverage proprietary AI chips, internal cameras, and built-in Wi-Fi, all managed through the SmartThings connected platform and controlled via the Bixby voice assistant.

Tackling Key Consumer Challenges

Samsung targeted three primary issues among appliance users:

• Food Waste Management: Global food waste is significant, with 40% of all food produced going uneaten, often due to poor inventory management. AI systems in Bespoke refrigerators use internal cameras and machine learning—the "AI Vision Inside" feature—to recognize and track up to 37 types of food items, monitor expiration dates, and provide reminders, helping reduce waste.

• Energy Inefficiency: Legacy appliances often lack energy-saving features. Samsung’s "AI Energy Mode" optimizes power consumption in devices such as refrigerators and washing machines, reportedly yielding up to 10% energy savings in refrigerators and up to 70% in washing machines, according to company briefings.

• Manual Operation Complexity: Automating appliance settings, detergent measurement, and program selection, AI-enabled washing machines (AI Wash+) detect laundry type and load, automatically adjusting cycles for optimal fabric care and efficiency.

Market Response and Outcomes

In its first year, the AI-enhanced Bespoke laundry product line achieved over 10,000 unit sales in South Korea, and consumer satisfaction has been reflected in industry recognition. Samsung received multiple J.D. Power awards in 2024, reaffirming its position in a crowded market. The appliances also provide tangible benefits, including up to 40% faster washing, 25% more fabric protection, and enhanced hygiene with 99.9% bacteria elimination capabilities.

Automating Maritime Operations with AI

Samsung Heavy Industries, one of the world’s largest shipbuilders, has introduced AI-based automation to address industry challenges such as skilled labor shortages, production backlogs, and the limitations of paper-based workflows.

Key Initiatives and Technologies

• Autonomous Vessel Navigation: The Samsung Autonomous Ship System (SAS), described as the "Tesla of the sea," integrates advanced computer vision and AI-based navigation algorithms to guide ships autonomously on optimized routes, reducing crew dependency. The system’s core functions include real-time performance monitoring and automated docking, leveraging data from onboard IoT sensors supplied by Samsung’s SmartThings ecosystem.

• Paperless Shipyards: In October 2024, Samsung Heavy Industries became the world’s first shipbuilder to fully implement AI-powered, paperless design workflows using 3D digital models and digital twin technology. This shift enables real-time updates, faster modifications, and error reduction during vessel construction.

Projected Impact

While many of these shipbuilding innovations are recent, internal estimates project significant operational efficiencies. Notably, Samsung expects to save over 600,000 sheets of blueprint paper annually and reduce labor hours for installation design by 45%. Autonomous systems are anticipated to help mitigate the industry's projected shortage of more than 55,000 maritime officers by 2027 and lower fuel shipping costs by up to 15%, according to industry research.

Broader Implications

Samsung’s advances underscore the centrality of artificial intelligence in both optimizing industrial operations and enhancing consumer products. While the company does not publicly disclose its total AI investment, its commitment is reflected in product innovation and operational transformation across multiple sectors.

emerj.com